Friday, November 3, 2017

Masa Returns!...

Credit:  Shanna Lockwood, USA TODAY Sports
Masahiro Tanaka declines Opt-Out...

Yankees fans across the country breathed a big sigh of relief at the news that Masahiro Tanaka has declined to opt out of his contract and will remain with the New York Yankees for the next three years at $67 million.

There were so many differing opinions but I tended to side with those that felt Masa would not have been able to find a substantially better deal on the free agent market. I know there's the continued risk of Tommy John surgery but all things considered, I am glad to see #19 back in the fold.  

Tanaka issued this statement on Friday night:
I remain in favor of the Yankees re-signing CC Sabathia...if the price is right.  But there's no doubt you have to love a starting rotation that features Luis Severino, Tanaka, Sonny Gray and Jordan Montgomery. With or without Sabathia, there's no doubt we'll see Chance Adams at some point in the season. Good times for Yankees fans!

Other Yankees News...

The Yankees made it official and announced that Kevin Reese has been promoted to Senior Director of Player Development, replacing the departed Gary Denbo who joined Derek Jeter in Miami. The Yankees will now need to find a new Director of Professional Scouting but there's no doubt they'll fill the post from within. Best of luck to Kevin in his new Tampa-based role!

The latest "frontrunner" for Yankees manager appears to be Brad Ausmus. At the end of the day, who really knows. I think some of the knocks against Ausmus are the same as those against Joe Girardi. He has  tendency to over rely upon his veterans and has a stoic personality. Ausmus has a stern but player-friendly reputation. While he never played in Pinstripes, he was the Yankees 48th round selection in the 1987 MLB Draft. He was lost in the Expansion Draft when the Colorado Rockies joined MLB and ultimately made his major league debut with the San Diego Padres although he is better remembered as a Houston Astro.  


I personally would not have an issue with Ausmus and probably would prefer to see someone with managerial experience get the vital role for the contending Yankees. He might not be my favorite but I'd support the choice if he is deemed to be the one. 

Have a great weekend!  Go Yankees!

This Day in New York Yankees History 11/3: Enter Paul O'Neill


It was on this day in 1992 that the New York Yankees finally acquired right fielder Paul O'Neill. The Cincinnati Reds traded O'Neill and minor league player Joe DeBerry to the Yankees for Roberto Kelly. This trade works out for the Yankees as O'Neill was an integral part of four World Series championships before retiring after the 2001 season.

Also in this day in New York Yankees history that we probably don't want to remember a pair of World Series milestones happened against the Yankees in the World Series. On this day in 2001 in Game 6 of the World Series the Arizona Diamondbacks collected 21 hits in the first six innings establishing a new record for most hits in a World Series game. Also on this day in 2009 Chase Utley tied Reggie Jackson's 1977 record with his 5th home run of the World Series.